Comments on: Insight into Governance from the Arrest that did not happen https://groundviews.org/2007/01/15/insight-into-governance-from-the-arrest-that-did-not-happen/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=insight-into-governance-from-the-arrest-that-did-not-happen Journalism for Citizens Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:33:32 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.1 By: JustMal https://groundviews.org/2007/01/15/insight-into-governance-from-the-arrest-that-did-not-happen/#comment-355 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:33:32 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/01/15/insight-into-governance-from-the-arrest-that-did-not-happen/#comment-355 I despise the man and most things he represents, but I think he’s a very brave journalist for having the courage to write about the misdeeds and corruption of government ministers and officials. He is shamelessly partisan and hypocritical, and had conveniently sided with the very politicians (eg: SB DIssanaike) he had earlier exposed for their thuggery and thievery. Despite that, I enjoy reading his newspaper and I think it’s very important for any democracy to allow dissenting voices, no matter how reprehensible they might be.

I think it’s really pathetic that Mahinda and Co could get away with firing the Observer editor Rajpal Abeynaike, who’s always been one of my favorite journalists in Sri Lanka. While I don’t like Lasantha as a person, I think he stands out among the sycophants and yesmen that we call journalists in Sri Lanka. While there’s no doubt that he should be more responsible when it comes to news concerning national security, arresting him or shutting down his paper would not serve any purpose and could be counter productive for the government’s image.

]]> By: Des https://groundviews.org/2007/01/15/insight-into-governance-from-the-arrest-that-did-not-happen/#comment-354 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 11:32:02 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/2007/01/15/insight-into-governance-from-the-arrest-that-did-not-happen/#comment-354 Many thanks for posting this article. The issue of rights in relation to arrests whether for media persons or otherwise is very relevant, and I would love to see more on this topic.
As far as I understand, one does not have the right to speak to a lawyer for a period of 72 days if arrested for questioning by the CID. I may be wrong here, but I think its something like that. This may not even come under the PTA, but regular law.
This violates both personal rights as well as the rights for the media to speak to the accused and carry their point of view. This in turn leads to one-sided articles in the media which are defamatory. The media may not have a choice if they don’t have access to the person being questioned.
I am looking for further info on this subject and all links to reports or any info posted will be appreciated. .

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